Review of Houttuynia cordata extract in livestock nutrition and health

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Frontiers in Medicine Published May 27, 2026 Medically reviewed May 27, 2026 Study authors: Duhan Xu, Hanyu Wang, Shengyong Lu, Maosheng Cao, Wen Tang, Shengchang Chen, Shan Yang, Shihui Mei, … DOI ↗ By Dr. Lars van Dijk, PhD · Surgical, Procedural & Diagnostic

Key Takeaway

Consider HCE as a potential nutritional strategy for livestock, but note the evidence is preliminary and requires standardization.

This is a narrative review that synthesizes evidence on Houttuynia cordata extract (HCE) as a nutritional strategy for livestock, including ruminants, monogastric species, and aquaculture. The authors report that HCE may alleviate heat stress-induced redox imbalance, mitigate mastitis, enhance viral resistance against PRRSV, optimize meat quality, and fortify non-specific mucosal immunity against viral challenges. The review does not provide pooled effect sizes or trial-level data, as it is a qualitative synthesis.

The authors acknowledge limitations, including technical hurdles regarding component stability and the need for standardized quality control. The review does not report a study population, sample size, intervention details, comparator, or adverse events.

Practice relevance is framed cautiously; the authors suggest HCE represents a green nutritional strategy, but this is not supported by primary trial evidence. The review highlights gaps in standardization and stability that must be addressed before broader application.

Study Details

Study typeSystematic review

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedMay 2026

View Original Abstract ↓

The global phasing-out of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) has catalyzed an urgent search for efficacious and sustainable alternatives to maintain livestock health and productivity. Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (HC), a traditional pharmacophagous herb has emerged, as a promising candidate due to its pleiotropic bioactive profile. This review outlines the molecular mechanisms and clinical efficacy of HC extracts (HCE) as multifunctional feed additives. We elucidate that HCE, rich in volatile oils, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, systemically modulates host physiology by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant signaling axis while concurrently suppressing hyper-inflammation via the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways. Crucially, HCE reinforces epithelial integrity across various biological barriers (intestinal and mammary) through the upregulation of tight junction proteins. Across diverse production systems, HCE has significant efficacy under experimental conditions. In ruminants, it alleviates heat stress-induced redox imbalance and mitigates mastitis. In monogastric species, it enhances viral resistance (notably against PRRSV) and optimizes meat quality. In aquaculture, it fortifies non-specific mucosal immunity against viral challenges. Despite technical hurdles regarding component stability and standardized quality control, HCE represents a transformative, green nutritional strategy. Advancements in microencapsulation and nano-emulsification are poised to catalyze the industrial integration of HCE, positioning it as a cornerstone of sustainable animal agriculture in the post-antibiotic era.